Corrugated radiation fin and heat sink using same

ABSTRACT

A heat sink includes one or two heat transfer blocks, and corrugated radiation fins fastened to the heat transfer block(s). Each corrugated radiation fin has a large area corrugated radiation fin body to provide an extended heat dissipation surface area, and a plug portion located at the bottom side of the large area corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one respective mounting groove of the heat transfer block(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to heat sink technology, and more particularly to a corrugated radiation fin for heat sink, which has a large area corrugated radiation fin body that provides an extended heat dissipation surface area to enhance heat dissipation efficiency. The invention relates also to a heat sink using this design of corrugated radiation fins.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

Conventional heat sinks generally comprise a heat transfer block and a plurality of radiation fins. Some heat sinks have one or more heat pipes fastened to the heat transfer block thereof. Conventional radiation fins for heat sink are commonly made in the form of a flat sheet for dissipating heat transferred from the heat transfer block of heat pipes. The mount and total surface area of the radiation fins directly affect the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink. The larger the number of the radiation fins is, the higher the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink will be.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,776 discloses a heat sink design, entitled “Heat emitting unit in form of a heater or cooler”. U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,262 discloses another heat sink design, entitled “Heat sink, method for manufacturing same, and pressing jig”. According to these prior art designs, ribs (radiation fins) are inserted into channels of a heat transfer block and are pressed into place through deformation of intermediary ridges. However, because these ribs (radiation fins) are planar sheet members, their heat dissipation surface area is limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances in view. It is therefore the main object of the present invention to provide a corrugated radiation fin for heat sink, which comprises a large area corrugated radiation fin body that provides an extended heat dissipation surface area, and a plug portion located at the bottom side of the large area corrugated radiation fin body for mounting.

By using the large area of corrugated radiation fin body the total radiation surface area is increased and the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the radiation fin is enhanced.

Further, the corrugated radiation fin body of the corrugated radiation fin defines a corrugated pattern that is distributed in a direction perpendicular to the plug portion.

Further, each corrugated radiation fin has a part formed to provide a partially deformed transition surface area between the corrugated radiation fin body and the plug portion.

Further, the plug portion of each corrugated radiation fin is configured to provide at least one heat pipe groove on the middle for accommodating at least one heat pipe, two low-level mounting edges at two opposite lateral sides relative to the at least one heat pipe groove for fastening to two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks respectively, and two angled flanges respectively disposed between the at least one heat pipe groove and the low-level mounting edges and kept in flush with the loaded at least one heat pipe and bar-shaped heat transfer blocks.

An embodiment of the heat sink of the present invention comprises a one-piece heat transfer block defining a plurality of mounting grooves at one side thereof, and a plurality of corrugated radiation fins respectively fastened to the mounting grooves of the one-piece heat transfer block. Each corrugated radiation fin comprises a large area corrugated radiation fin body that provides an extended heat dissipation surface area, and a plug portion located at the bottom side of the large area corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one mounting groove of the one-piece heat transfer block.

Another embodiment of the heat sink of the present invention comprises two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks each defining a plurality of mounting grooves at one side thereof, and a plurality of corrugated radiation fins respectively fastened to the mounting grooves of the bar-shaped heat transfer blocks. Each corrugated radiation fin comprises a large area corrugated radiation fin body that provides an extended heat dissipation surface area, and a plug portion located at the bottom side of the large area corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one respective mounting groove of each of the two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks.

Still another embodiment of the heat sink of the present invention comprises a one-piece heat transfer block or two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks, a plurality of corrugated radiation fins respectively fastened to the one-piece heat transfer block or bar-shaped heat transfer blocks, and a plurality of heat pipes fastened to the corrugated radiation fins. Each corrugated radiation fin comprises a large area corrugated radiation fin body that provides an extended heat dissipation surface area, a plug portion located at the bottom side of the large area corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one respective mounting groove of the one-piece heat transfer block or each bar-shaped heat transfer block, and a plurality of heat pipe grooves located at the plug portion and a plurality of through holes cut through the large area corrugated radiation fin body for securing the heat pipes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a corrugated radiation fin in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the corrugated radiation fin shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a heat sink in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional assembly view of the heat sink in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates through holes formed on the corrugated radiation fin in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an oblique top elevational view of a heat sink in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the heat sink shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate form of the corrugated radiation fin in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an oblique top elevational view of a heat sink in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the heat sink shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a heat sink in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an oblique top elevational view of the heat sink in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The corrugated radiation fin 1 in accordance with the present invention for use in a head sink is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The corrugated radiation fin 1 is a corrugated sheet member comprising a large area corrugated radiation fin body 12 formed, e.g. by stamping, a plug portion 11 located at a bottom side of the corrugated radiation fin body 12 for press-fitting into a one-piece heat transfer block 2 (see FIG. 3) or two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks 2′ (see FIG. 11). By using the large area of corrugated radiation fin body 12, the total radiation surface area is increased and the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the radiation fin or heat sink that uses the radiation fin is enhanced.

The corrugated pattern of the corrugated radiation fin body 12 is distributed in a direction perpendicular to the plug portion 11. Namely, the ridges and furrows (or grooves) of the corrugated radiation fin body 12 extend transversely to the plug portion 11. Further, the corrugated radiation fin 1 is partially deformed by stamping to provide a partially deformed transition surface area 13 between the plug portion 11 and the corrugated radiation fin body 12. Because corrugated pattern of the corrugated radiation fin body 12 is distributed in a direction perpendicular to the plug portion 11, the structural strength of the corrugated radiation fin body 12 is enhanced.

Further, the aforesaid plug portion 11 can be variously configured for press-fitting into corresponding mounting grooves 21. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bottom edge of the radiation fin is folded back and stacked up to form the plug portion 11. Alternatively, the distal end of the plug portion can be tooled or otherwise formed to provide an L-shaped configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a heat sink in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. As illustrated, the heat sink comprises a plurality of corrugated radiation fins 1 and a one-piece heat transfer block 2. The one-piece heat transfer block 2 comprises a plurality of mounting grooves 21 arranged in parallel on a top wall thereof. Each corrugated radiation fin 1 comprises a plug portion 11 disposed at a bottom side thereof, a corrugated radiation fin body 12 disposed at a top side thereof, and a transition surface area 13 between the plug portion 11 and the corrugated radiation fin body 12. The plug portions 11 of the corrugated radiation fins 1 are respectively press-fitted into the mounting grooves 21 of the one-piece heat transfer block 2. Further, these corrugated radiation fins 1 have the same size. The corrugated configuration of the corrugated radiation fins 1 provide extended heat dissipation surface area to enhance the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, a heat sink in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. As illustrated, the heat sink comprises a plurality of corrugated radiation fins 1 a, a one-piece heat transfer block 2 a, and a plurality of heat pipes 3. Each corrugated radiation fin 1 a comprises a plug portion 11 a disposed at a bottom side thereof, a corrugated radiation fin body 12 a disposed at a top side thereof, a transition surface area 13 a between the plug portion 11 a and the corrugated radiation fin body 12 a, and a plurality of through holes 121 a cut through the corrugated radiation fin body 12 a at selected locations. The one-piece heat transfer block 2 a comprises a plurality of mounting grooves 21 a arranged in parallel on a top wall thereof, and a plurality of heat pipe grooves 22 a located at a bottom wall thereof. The plug portions 11 a of the corrugated radiation fins 1 a are respectively press-fitted into the mounting grooves 21 a of the one-piece heat transfer block 2 a. The heat pipes 3 are curved pipes each having one end thereof respectively mounted in one respective mounting groove 21 a of the one-piece heat transfer block 2 a, and another end thereof respectively and tightly mounted in one respective through hole 121 a of each corrugated radiation fin 1 a.

The aforesaid first and second embodiments are practical for use in a computer for CPU heat dissipation. The latter is equipped with the added heat pipes 3.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a heat sink in accordance with a third embodiment is shown for use in a computer for graphics card heat dissipation. This third embodiment is substantially similar to the aforesaid second embodiment with the exception of the configuration of the corrugated radiation fins. As illustrated, the corrugated radiation fins 1 b are wide flat shaped, each comprising a plug portion 11 b disposed at a bottom side thereof, a corrugated radiation fin body 12 b disposed at a top side thereof, a transition surface area 13 b between the plug portion 11 b and the corrugated radiation fin body 12 b, and a plurality of through holes 121 b cut through the corrugated radiation fin body 12 b at selected locations. The one-piece heat transfer block 2 b comprises a plurality of mounting grooves 21 b arranged in parallel on a top wall thereof, and a plurality of heat pipe grooves 22 b located at a bottom wall thereof. The plug portions 11 b of the corrugated radiation fins 1 b are respectively press-fitted into the mounting grooves 21 b of the one-piece heat transfer block 2 b. The heat pipes 3 are curved pipes each having one end thereof respectively mounted in one respective mounting groove 21 b of the one-piece heat transfer block 2 b, and another end thereof respectively and tightly mounted in one respective through hole 121 b of each corrugated radiation fin 1 b.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a heat sink in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. As illustrated, the heat sink comprises a plurality of corrugated radiation fins 1 c, two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks 2′, and a plurality of heat pipes 3. Each corrugated radiation fin 1 c comprises a plug portion 11 c disposed at one side thereof, a corrugated radiation fin body 12 c disposed at an opposite side thereof, a transition surface area 13 c between the plug portion 11 c and the corrugated radiation fin body 12 c, and a plurality of through holes 121 c cut through the corrugated radiation fin body 12 c at selected locations. Further, the plug portion 11 c has its one side connected to the transition surface area 12 c, and its other side shaped to provide a plurality of heat pipe grooves 111 c located in the middle for accommodating the heat pipes 3, two low-level mounting edges 112 c disposed at two opposite lateral sides relative to the heat pipe grooves 11 c and respectively press-fitted into one respective mounting groove 21′ of one respective bar-shaped heat transfer block 2′, and two angled flanges 113 c spaced between the heat pipe grooves 111 c and the low-level mounting edges 112 c and kept in flush with the loaded heat pipes 3 and the bar-shaped heat transfer block 2′ (see FIG. 12). After installation of the heat pipes 3 in the through holes 121 c and heat pipe grooves 111 c of the corrugated radiation fins 1 c, the bar-shaped heat transfer blocks 2′ are kept in flush with the angled flanges 113 c of the corrugated radiation fins 1 c and the heat pipes 3 for direct contact with the surface of an external heat surface. Further, the heat sink can be configured without the heat pipes 3.

Further, the heat pipe grooves 111 c of each corrugated radiation fin 1 c can be continuously arranged together. Alternatively, the heat pipe grooves 111 c of each corrugated radiation fin 1 c can be spaced from one another at a predetermined gap. In the example shown in FIG. 4, two heat pipe grooves 111 c are continuously arranged together. Thus, after installation of the two mating heat pipes 3, the two heat pipes 3 are kept abutted against each other without any gap therebetween (see FIG. 12). If the two heat pipe grooves 111 c are kept apart, a plane will be formed between the two heat pipes 3.

After the heat sink is assembled, the two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks 2′, the heat pipes 3 and angled flanges 113 c of the corrugated radiation fins 1 c are kept in flush, forming a coplane.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A corrugated radiation fin, comprising a corrugated radiation fin body with a shape of corrugated sheet, and a plug portion located at a bottom side of said corrugated radiation fin body for mounting, said corrugated radiation fin body defining a corrugated pattern distributed in a direction perpendicular to said plug portion.
 2. The corrugated radiation fin as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a transition surface area connected between said corrugated radiation fin body and said plug portion.
 3. The corrugated radiation fin as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plug portion has a bottom edge that is folded back and stacked up.
 4. The corrugated radiation fin as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plug portion is formed to provide at least one heat pipe groove for accommodating at least one heat pipe, two low-level mounting edges at two opposite lateral sides relative to said at least one heat pipe groove, and an angled flange disposed between said at least one heat pipe groove and each said low-level mounting edge.
 5. A heat sink, comprising: a one-piece heat transfer block comprising a plurality of mounting grooves located at one side thereof; and a plurality of corrugated radiation fins respectively fastened to said mounting grooves of said one-piece heat transfer block, each said corrugated radiation fin comprising a corrugated radiation fin body with a shape of corrugated sheet and a plug portion located at a bottom side of said corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one said mounting groove of said one-piece heat transfer block, said corrugated radiation fin body defining a corrugated pattern distributed in a direction perpendicular to said plug portion.
 6. A heat sink, comprising: a one-piece heat transfer block comprising a plurality of mounting grooves located at one side thereof and a plurality of heat pipe grooves located at an opposite side thereof; a plurality of corrugated radiation fins respectively fastened to said mounting grooves of said one-piece heat transfer block, each said corrugated radiation fin comprising a corrugated radiation fin body with a shape of corrugated sheet, a plug portion located at a bottom side of said corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one said mounting groove of said one-piece heat transfer block and a plurality of through holes cut through said corrugated radiation fin body, said corrugated radiation fin body defining a corrugated pattern distributed in a direction perpendicular to said plug portion; and a plurality of heat pipes, each said heat pipe having one end mounted in one respective said heat pipe groove of said one-piece heat transfer block and another end tightly fastened to one respective said through hole of said corrugated radiation fin.
 7. A heat sink, comprising: two bar-shaped heat transfer blocks, each said bar-shaped heat transfer block comprising a plurality of mounting grooves located at one side thereof; a plurality of corrugated radiation fins respectively fastened to said mounting grooves of said bar-shaped heat transfer blocks, each said corrugated radiation fin comprising a corrugated radiation fin body with a shape of corrugated sheet, a plug portion located at a bottom side of said corrugated radiation fin body and press-fitted into one said mounting groove of each said bar-shaped heat transfer block and a plurality of through holes cut through said corrugated radiation fin body, said corrugated radiation fin body defining a corrugated pattern distributed in a direction perpendicular to said plug portion, said plug portion defining a plurality of heat pipe grooves in a middle part thereof and two low-level mounting edges disposed at two opposite lateral sides relative to said heat pipe grooves and respectively press-fitted into one respective mounting groove of each said bar-shaped heat transfer block; and a plurality of heat pipes respectively mounted in said heat pipe grooves of said corrugated radiation fins and kept in flush with said bar-shaped heat transfer blocks.
 8. The heat sink as claimed in claim 7, wherein each said corrugated radiation fin comprises a plurality of through holes cut through said radiation fin body; each said heat pipe has one end mounted in one respective said heat pipe groove of said corrugated radiation fin and another end tightly fastened to one respective said through hole of said corrugated radiation fin.
 9. The heat sink as claimed in claim 7, wherein each said corrugated radiation fin further comprises two angled flanges respectively extending from said plug portion between said heat pipe grooves and said low-level mounting edges and kept in flush with said heat pipes and said bar-shaped heat transfer blocks.
 10. The heat sink as claimed in claim 7, wherein said heat pipe grooves of each said corrugated radiation fin abut against one another.
 11. The heat sink as claimed in claim 7, wherein said heat pipe grooves of each said corrugated radiation fin are spaced from one another at a predetermined gap. 